Image forming apparatus, printing control method, and control program

Abstract

To reduce the risk of infection from viruses attached to a sheet.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus 10 comprises: an acquisition unit 19 that acquires information indicating the "presence" or "absence" of a likely infected person who is likely to be infected from viruses in an area where an apparatus main body is installed; and a control unit 11 that can select an operation mode of a print job from a normal mode and a virus removal mode, and based on the acquired information on the "presence," sets the operation mode of the print job to the virus removal mode. In the virus removal mode, the image forming apparatus sets a fixing temperature of a fixing unit to a predetermined temperature, and extends the time to heat a sheet in the fixing unit compared with that in the normal mode.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, a print control method, and a control program.

Background Art

[0002] Recently, infectious diseases such as the novel coronavirus have become a problem, and infection prevention has become important. When a person who may be infected (hereinafter referred to as a person with infection possibility) is present in a sealed living area in a building such as an office, there is a possibility of infecting other people. In particular, when a person with infection possibility replenishes paper to a paper feed tray of an image forming apparatus such as a printer and prints, the paper replenished to the paper feed tray and the paper feed tray itself may be contaminated with the virus, and there is a risk of other people being infected through this.

[0003] As a technique for removing viruses existing around the apparatus, there is a technique disclosed in Patent Document 1. In the electrophotographic apparatus of this Patent Document 1, a fan and an adsorption decomposition catalyst body (VOC / ozone removal unit) are arranged around the fixing unit, and the adsorption decomposition catalyst body decomposes and removes VOC (volatile organic compound), bacteria, and viruses existing around the installation location.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in the technique of Patent Document 1, even though it is possible to remove viruses and the like scattered and splashed in the air around the apparatus, no consideration is given to removing the virus attached to the paper stored in the paper feed tray.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of reducing the risk of infection by a virus attached to paper.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The above object of the present invention is achieved by the following means.

[0008] (1) One or more paper feed trays, An image forming unit including a fixing unit, which forms an image on the paper fed from the paper feed tray based on a print job, An acquisition unit that acquires information indicating the "presence" or "absence" of a person who may be infected with a virus within the area where the apparatus main body is installed, A control unit that can select the operation mode of the print job from a normal mode and a virus removal mode, and sets the operation mode of the print job to the virus removal mode based on the acquired "presence" information. In the virus removal mode, the fixing temperature of the fixing unit is set to a predetermined temperature, and the heating time of the paper by the fixing unit is made longer than that in the normal mode. An image forming apparatus.

[0009] (2) When the control unit detects opening and closing in each of the paper feed trays in the "present" state, it records the opening and closing history in the storage unit. When the control unit executes the print job using the paper feed tray in which the opening and closing are recorded in the storage unit, it sets the operation mode to the virus removal mode. The image forming apparatus according to (1) above.

[0010] (3) Even when the control unit executes the print job using the paper feed tray in which the opening and closing are recorded in the storage unit, if the elapsed time from the previous opening and closing is equal to or longer than a predetermined period, it does not set the virus removal mode. The image forming apparatus according to (2) above.

[0011] (4) The information further includes information regarding the type of virus. In the virus removal mode, the control unit sets the fixing temperature according to the type of the virus, and the image forming apparatus according to any one of (1) to (3) above.

[0012] (5) The selectable operation modes further include an eco mode in which the fixing temperature is lower than that in the normal mode. The predetermined temperature set in the virus removal mode is higher than the fixing temperature in the eco mode, and the image forming apparatus according to any one of (1) to (4) above.

[0013] (6) The acquisition unit is communicatively connected to a body temperature measurement device that measures the body temperature of a person entering the area and is provided at the entrance of the area. The acquisition unit acquires, from the body temperature measurement device, information indicating that a person with a body temperature equal to or higher than a threshold value has entered the area, as information indicating the "presence" of a person with a potential for infection, and the image forming apparatus according to any one of (1) to (5) above.

[0014] (7) The acquisition unit is communicatively connected to a portable terminal device held by a user. The acquisition unit, as information indicating the "presence" of a person with a potential for infection and information regarding the type of virus, acquires, from the terminal device in the area, information indicating that the user holding the terminal device is a person with a potential for infection and information regarding the type of virus, and the image forming apparatus according to (4) above.

[0015] (8) It includes a reception unit that receives a setting operation from a user. When the reception unit receives a setting for forcibly executing the virus removal mode by the user. The control unit causes the printing job to be executed in the virus removal mode regardless of the content of the information acquired by the acquisition unit, and the image forming apparatus according to (1) above.

[0016] (9) Further, when the reception unit receives information on the type of virus to be dealt with. In the virus removal mode, the image forming apparatus according to (8) above is configured to set a fixing temperature corresponding to the type of virus based on a control table describing the correspondence between the type of virus and the fixing temperature.

[0017] (10) In the virus removal mode, when the paper to be used is a thick paper with a thickness equal to or greater than a predetermined value or a basis weight, the control unit causes the fixing unit to perform double-sided heating in which fixing is performed twice even if the print setting of the print job is single-sided printing, for the image forming apparatus according to any one of (1) to (9) above.

[0018] (11) In the virus removal mode, when the paper to be used is a thick paper with a thickness equal to or greater than a predetermined value or a basis weight, at the leading edge and / or trailing edge of the paper the end the image forming apparatus according to any one of (1) to (10) above is configured to slow down the conveyance speed at the fixing unit compared to the center of the paper, or to temporarily stop the paper at the edge.

[0019] (12) In the virus removal mode, before the first output of the print data of the print job, the control unit heats a blank sheet of a size larger than the paper used for the output of the print data by the fixing unit and discharges it onto the discharge tray, for the image forming apparatus according to any one of (1) to (11) above.

[0020] (13) A plurality of paper feed trays, an image forming unit that includes a fixing unit and forms an image on the paper fed from the paper feed tray based on a print job, an acquisition unit that acquires information indicating the "presence" or "absence" of a person who may be infected with a virus within the area where the apparatus main body is installed, a control unit that can select at least a normal mode and a virus removal mode as the operation mode of the print job, and sets the operation mode of the print job to the virus removal mode based on the acquired "presence" information. In the virus removal mode, before the first output of the print data of the print job, a blank sheet of paper having a size larger than the paper used for the output of the print data is heated by the fixing unit and discharged onto the discharge tray. An image forming apparatus.

[0021] (14) The control unit sets the fixing temperature in the fixing unit to the maximum temperature within the usable range, heats the blank sheet of paper, and discharges it onto the discharge tray. The image forming apparatus according to (12) or (13) above.

[0022] (15) One or more paper feed trays, An image forming unit including a fixing unit that forms an image on a sheet fed from the paper feed tray based on a print job, and a print control method executed by an image forming apparatus capable of selecting an operation mode of the print job from a normal mode and a virus removal mode, Step (a) of acquiring information indicating the "presence" or "absence" of a person who may be infected with a virus within the area where the apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus is installed; Based on the acquired "presence" information, step (b) of causing the print job to be executed in the virus removal mode, In the virus removal mode, the fixing temperature of the fixing unit is set to a predetermined temperature, and the heating time of the paper in the fixing unit is made longer than that in the normal mode. A print control method.

[0023] (16) In step (a), when opening and closing are detected in each of the paper feed trays in the "present" state, step (c) of recording an opening and closing history in a storage unit; In step (b), when executing a print job using the paper feed tray in which the opening and closing are recorded in the storage unit, the virus removal mode is executed. The print control method according to (15) above.

[0024] (17) In the above step (b), even when the printing job is executed using the paper feed tray with an open / close record in the storage unit, if the elapsed time since the previous open / close is equal to or longer than a predetermined period, the virus removal mode is not executed. The printing control method according to (16) above.

[0025] (18) A plurality of paper feed trays, An image forming unit including a fixing unit, which forms an image on a sheet fed from the paper feed tray based on a printing job, and a printing control method executed by an image forming apparatus capable of selecting an operation mode of the printing job from a normal mode and a virus removal mode, Step (a) of acquiring information indicating the "presence" or "absence" of a person who may be infected with a virus within the area where the apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus is installed; Based on the acquired information of "presence", step (b) of causing the printing job to be executed in the virus removal mode, including: In the virus removal mode, before the first output of the print data of the printing job, a blank sheet larger in size than the sheet used for the output of the print data is heated by the fixing unit and discharged onto the discharge tray. The printing control method.

[0026] (19) The printing control method according to (18) above, wherein the fixing temperature in the fixing unit is set to the maximum temperature within the use range, the blank sheet is heated, and discharged onto the discharge tray.

[0027] (20) A control program for causing a computer that controls an image forming apparatus to execute the printing control method according to any one of (15) to (19) above.

Advantages of the Invention

[0028] According to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, an acquisition unit that acquires information indicating the "presence" or "absence" of a person who may be infected with a virus within the area where the apparatus main body is installed, and the operation mode of the printing job can be selected from a normal mode and a virus removal mode, and based on the acquired information of "presence", a control unit that sets the operation mode of the printing job to the virus removal mode, and in the virus removal mode, the fixing temperature of the fixing unit is set to a predetermined temperature, and the heating time of the paper in the fixing unit is made longer than that in the normal mode. Thereby, the risk of infection by the virus attached to the paper can be reduced.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0029]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4A

Figure 4B

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7A

Figure 7B

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Figure 15

Figure 16

Figure 17

Figure 18

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0030] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted. Also, the dimensional ratios in the drawings are exaggerated for the convenience of explanation and may be different from the actual ratios. In the present embodiment, the paper includes printing paper and various films. In particular, as the printing paper, those manufactured using plant-derived mechanical pulp and / or chemical pulp are included. Also, as the types of paper, gloss paper, matte paper, plain paper, high-gloss paper, coated paper, etc. are included.

[0031] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment and an example of an area 80 where the apparatus is installed. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of the image forming apparatus 10, and FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the image forming apparatus 10.

[0032] In FIG. 1, the area 80 is an enclosed area within a building such as an office, and for example, is a single partitioned room. Further, the area 80 may be a plurality of partitioned areas. For example, it may be composed of a plurality of separated partitioned areas for each floor of a single small building or the like on a plurality of different floors.

[0033] Inside the area 80, an image forming apparatus 10, a gate 20, a wireless AP (access point) 30, a body temperature measuring device 40, and a terminal device 50 are arranged. Further, there are employees 70 who conduct business therein within the area 80. Each of the employees 70 has a portable terminal device 60 such as a smartphone.

[0034] The image forming apparatus 10 forms an image on a sheet based on a received print job. Details of the image forming apparatus 10 will be described later. The gate 20 is provided at the entrance of the area 80, and only authorized employees 70 can pass through the gate 20. The gate 20 may have a function of opening and closing a door (not shown) provided in the gate 20 by using an NFC (Near Field Communication) method sensor such as FeliCa (registered trademark) and holding an employee card in front of it. Hereinafter, when an employee 70 enters the area 80 where the apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus 10 is installed, it is referred to as "entering the room", when leaving, it is referred to as "leaving the room", when an employee 70 is present within the area 80, it is referred to as "being in the room", and when not present, it is referred to as "not being present".

[0035] The wireless AP 30 is, for example, a wifi router and relays communication between each device such as the terminal device 60.

[0036] (Body temperature measuring device 40) The body temperature measurement device 40 is a thermograph, which includes an infrared camera, a control processing unit, and a display. The infrared camera photographs people passing through the gate 20, recognizes the exposed skin parts (such as the face) of people through image processing, and measures the body temperature of those parts. An image representing the heat distribution is displayed on the display. Numerical values indicating the body temperature of the recognized people may be displayed as annotations in this image. Also, the control processing unit of the body temperature measurement device 40 determines whether the body temperature is less than the threshold temperature or equal to or higher than the threshold temperature, and outputs the determination result. For example, a person with a body temperature of 37.0°C or higher (hereinafter referred to as a "person with a high body temperature") is presumed to be a person with a possibility of virus infection (hereinafter also simply referred to as a "person with a possibility of infection"). When a body temperature equal to or higher than the threshold temperature is detected, the information (the "existence" information of a person with a possibility of infection described later) is notified to a preset transmission destination (for example, the image forming device 10). Also, by the body temperature measurement device 40 alone or in cooperation with the gate 20, a person with a high body temperature is identified, and the entry and exit of the identified person in the area 80 are determined. When identifying alone, for example, the body temperature measurement device 40 includes a visible light camera, and by performing image processing on the video thereof, the person entering and exiting is face-recognized and identified.

[0037] (Terminal device 50) The terminal device 50 is, for example, a PC (personal computer) or a tablet terminal, and a virus detection application is installed therein. This terminal device 50 is installed near the gate 20. When the virus detection application detects contact with a person with a possibility of infection, that is, when the employee 70 is a person with a possibility of infection and the portable terminal device 60 possessed by the employee 70 approaches the terminal device 50, it determines that a person with a possibility of infection has entered the area 80. Also, the terminal device 50 may determine that a person with a possibility of infection has entered the area 80 by cooperating with the gate 20 having an NFC method sensor. In this case, information indicating that the person is a person with a possibility of infection and the type of virus being infected is sent from the terminal device 60 to the terminal device 50. Also, this information is transferred and notified to a preset transmission destination (for example, the image forming device 10).

[0038] (Terminal device 60) The terminal device 60 is a portable terminal device such as a smartphone, on which a virus detection app is installed, and the user (employee 70) who owns it holds information on whether or not the user is a person at risk of infection, and if so, the type of virus. That information is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 10 via the terminal device 50. Whether a user is a person at risk of infection is determined by comparing the behavior information (geographical location information) of the user who owns the device with the behavior information of other terminal devices on which the same virus detection app is installed to determine whether the user has become a person who has had close contact with a person at risk of infection (i.e., a person at risk of infection). In the example of FIG. 4B described above and below, an example of notifying the image forming apparatus 10 of the entry into the area 80, the person at risk of infection, and the type of virus via the terminal device 50 will be described. As another example, the terminal device 60 may directly notify the image forming apparatus 10. For example, when communication using short-range wireless communication is established between the two devices, the terminal device 60 notifies the image forming apparatus 10 of the person at risk of infection and the type of virus. In this case, "the area where the main body of the image forming apparatus is installed" corresponds to the communication range of short-range wireless communication.

[0039] (Image forming apparatus 10) Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the image forming apparatus 10 includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, an image forming unit 13, a paper feeding unit 14, a conveyance unit 15, an operation display unit 16, a temperature sensor 17, and a communication unit 19.

[0040] The control unit 11 has a CPU and a memory. The CPU is a control circuit composed of a multi-core processor or the like that executes control of the above-described units and various arithmetic processes according to a program, and each function of the image forming apparatus 10 is exhibited by the CPU executing a corresponding program. The memory is a high-speed accessible main storage device that stores programs and data as a work area. Further, the control unit 11 can select the operation mode of the image forming unit 13 from a normal mode and a virus removal mode. Alternatively, the control unit 11 can select the operation mode from a normal mode, an eco mode, and a virus removal mode.

[0041] The storage unit 12 is a large-capacity auxiliary storage device that stores various programs including the operating system and various data. For the storage, for example, a hard disk, a solid state drive, a flash memory, a ROM, etc. are adopted. In the storage unit 12, "status data", "virus type correspondence table", "fixing condition control table", "switching table (opening / closing history)", and "default operation mode setting" are stored. The "status data" is information indicating the presence or absence status of virus-infected persons in area 80. The "virus type correspondence table" is a table showing the relationship between virus types and heat resistance (Figure 7A described later), and a table showing the relationship between virus types and the time until natural extinction (Figure 14 described later). The "fixing condition table" is a control table that describes the fixing conditions in each operation mode. The "switching table (opening / closing history)" describes the operation mode to be selected based on the opening / closing history for each paper feed tray and the elapsed time. The "default operation mode setting" is the operation mode to be executed when the virus removal mode is not executed, and either the normal mode or the eco mode with less power consumption than the normal mode is set by the user.

[0042] The image forming unit 13 forms an image on the sheet 90 fed from the paper feeding unit 14 and conveyed by the conveying unit 15. The image forming unit 13 includes a plurality of image forming units 131 corresponding to the basic colors of Y, M, C, and K, an intermediate transfer belt 132, a fixing unit 133, etc., and forms an image on the sheet 90 using a well-known image forming process of the electrophotographic method including the steps of charging, exposure, development, transfer, and fixing. The fixing unit 133 includes an upper roller 31, a lower roller 32, and a temperature sensor 33. A heater is disposed inside the upper roller 31. The power supply to the heater is controlled so that the detected temperature of the temperature sensor 33 that detects the surface temperature of the upper roller 31 becomes a predetermined fixing temperature (control temperature). Note that, as another configuration example of the fixing unit 133, a fixing belt method may be adopted.

[0043] The paper feeding unit 14 includes a plurality of paper feeding trays 141. The paper feeding trays 141 store a plurality of sheets of paper 90 placed thereon, and feed the topmost sheet of paper 90 one by one. An opening / closing sensor 142 and a paper sensor 143 are arranged on each paper feeding tray 141. These sensors are optical sensors or sensors combined with an actuator. The opening / closing sensor 142 detects the open / closed state of the paper feeding tray 141, that is, the state in which the paper feeding tray 141 is pulled out from the apparatus main body and the loaded state. The paper sensor 143 detects the presence or absence of paper in the paper feeding tray 141. Based on the signal of the paper sensor 143, the control unit 11 detects that the paper in the paper feeding tray 141 has been used up (paper out) and that the paper 90 has been replenished.

[0044] The conveying unit 15 includes conveying paths 151 to 154, and a plurality of conveying rollers and a drive motor (not shown) arranged on these conveying paths 151 to 154, and conveys the sheet of paper 90 fed from the paper feeding tray 141 of the paper feeding unit 14. The conveying unit 15 also includes paper discharge trays 155 and 156. The control unit 11 discharges the sheet of paper 90 on which an image is formed by the image forming unit 13 to one of the paper discharge trays 155 and 156 according to the setting. When double-sided printing is performed, for example, when the print setting of the print job is the double-sided printing setting, the sheet of paper 90 on which an image is formed on one side (the first side) by the image forming unit 13 is conveyed to the switchback conveying path 152. The sheet of paper 90 conveyed to this conveying path 152 is reversed in the front and back by the switchback path, then merges into the conveying path 151, and an image is formed on the other side (the second side) of the sheet of paper 90 again by the image forming unit 13.

[0045] The operation display unit 16 is equipped with a touch panel, numeric keypad, start button, stop button, etc., and is used for displaying various information and inputting various instructions. Through the operation display unit 16, the user can set paper information such as the size, basis weight (weight per unit area), paper type (cardstock, thin paper, high-quality paper, etc.) of the paper stored in each paper feed tray 141. Also, the user can set the default operation mode via the operation display unit 16. For example, the operation display unit 16 can set the operation mode when the virus removal mode is not performed to the normal printing mode or the eco mode. Also, as another example, the operation mode can be set so that the virus removal mode is forcibly executed as the operation mode (see FIG. 18 described later).

[0046] The temperature sensor 17 is arranged inside the main body of the image forming apparatus 10 and detects the temperature inside the apparatus main body, particularly the temperature inside or around the paper feed tray 141. The control unit 11 refers to the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 17 and determines the period until the virus naturally disappears (see the third embodiment described later).

[0047] The communication unit 19 is an interface for communicating with external devices. For communication, a network interface according to standards such as Ethernet (registered trademark), SATA, PCI Express, USB, IEEE1394, etc. may be used. Further, for communication, a wireless communication interface such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), IEEE802.11, 4G, etc. may be used. The communication unit 19 functions as an acquisition unit in cooperation with the control unit 11 and acquires information indicating the "presence" or "absence" of a person with a risk of infection and / or information on the type of virus from the body temperature measuring device 40 or the terminal device 50.

[0048] (Setting process for presence / absence status data of a person with a risk of virus infection) Next, with reference to FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 5, the holding process of the status data will be described.

[0049] FIG. 4A is a flowchart showing the determination process of a person with a potential for infection by the body temperature measurement device 40. FIG. 4B is a flowchart showing the determination process of a person with a potential for infection by the terminal device 50. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the setting process of the state data executed by the image forming apparatus 10.

[0050] (Determination process by the body temperature measurement device 40) (Step S11) Here, the body temperature measurement device 40 passes through the gate 20, photographs the user (employee 70) entering the room with an infrared camera, and measures the body temperature of the user (employee 70).

[0051] (Step S12) If the measured body temperature is equal to or higher than the threshold temperature (for example, 37.0°C or higher), the process proceeds to step S13. If it is lower than the threshold, the process of step S11 is repeated.

[0052] (Step S13) The body temperature measurement device 40 notifies the image forming apparatus 10 that a person with a high body temperature, that is, a person with a potential for infection, has entered the room.

[0053] (Step S14) The body temperature measurement device 40 determines whether a person with a potential for infection has left the room. For example, the body temperature measurement device 40 photographs the user entering the room and the user leaving the room with a visible light camera, respectively, remembers the person who was determined to have a high body temperature at the time of entry and was determined to be a person with a potential for infection, and if the same person is determined to have left the room, it is determined that the person has left the room. If it is determined that the person has left the room (YES), the process proceeds to step S15.

[0054] (Step S15) Here, the body temperature measurement device 40 notifies the image forming apparatus 10 of the departure of a person with a potential for infection.

[0055] (Determination process by the terminal device 50) (Steps S21, S22) When the user (employee 70) enters the room, the terminal device 50 acquires infection possibility information and virus type information from the terminal device 60 possessed by the user.

[0056] (Step S23) If the information acquired in step S22 indicates that the user possessing the terminal device 60 is a person with a possibility of infection (YES), the process proceeds to step S24.

[0057] (Step S24) The terminal device 50 notifies the image forming apparatus 10 of the fact that a person with a possibility of infection has entered the room and the information on the virus type.

[0058] (Step S25) If the same user (terminal device 60 with the same ID) determined to be a person with a possibility of infection in step S23 passes through, the terminal device 50 determines that the user determined to be a person with a possibility of infection has left the room (YES).

[0059] (Step S26) Here, the terminal device 50 notifies the image forming apparatus 10 of the departure of the person with a possibility of infection.

[0060] (State data setting process by the image forming apparatus 10) (Step S31) If the control unit 11 of the image forming apparatus 10 receives a notification of the entry of a person with a possibility of infection (YES), the process proceeds to step S32. This notification corresponds to "information on the 'existence' of a person with a possibility of being infected with a virus" (hereinafter, simply referred to as "existence" or "existence information"), and is transmitted, for example, by the process of step S13 of the body temperature measuring device 40 or the process of step S24 of the terminal device 50.

[0061] (Step S32) The control unit 11 updates the status data stored in the storage unit 12 to the status of "existence". Also, if information on the virus type is obtained in step S31 (for example, in step S24 of the terminal device 50), this information on the virus type is also stored as status data together. As will be described later, when the status data is in the status of "existence", the printing job to be executed is operated in the virus removal mode by the control unit 11.

[0062] (Step S33) If the control unit 11 of the image forming apparatus 10 receives a notice of departure of a person at risk of infection (YES), the process proceeds to step S34. This notice corresponds to "information on the 'non-existence' of a person at risk of infection who may be infected with a virus", and is transmitted, for example, by the process of step S15 of the body temperature measuring device 40 or the process of step S26 of the terminal device 50.

[0063] (Step S34) The control unit 11 updates the status data stored in the storage unit 12 to the status of "non-existence". In the case where information on "existence" is acquired simultaneously from a plurality of devices (for example, the temperature measuring device 40 and the terminal device 50), the status data is set to "non-existence" when all the information becomes "non-existence".

[0064] (Printing control process in the first embodiment) Next, with reference to FIGS. 6 to 8, the printing control process will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the printing control process in the first embodiment.

[0065] (Step S41) When the control unit 11 receives a printing job from an external PC or when the start button is pressed or the like (YES), the process proceeds to step S42. The data of the received printing job includes a job ticket (printing setting information) and printing data (image data). The job ticket describes printing settings such as the paper to be used (paper feed tray), paper size, paper basis weight or paper type, single-sided / double-sided printing, color mode, etc.

[0066] (Step S42) The control unit 11 determines the operation mode based on the presence / absence information of the state data stored in the storage unit 12. This state data is set by the setting process shown in FIG. 5 described above. When the state data is "present", that is, when there is a person with a possibility of virus infection within the area 80, the control unit 11 sets the operation mode to the virus removal mode. On the other hand, when the state data is "absent", that is, when there is no person with a possibility of virus infection within the area 80, the control unit 11 sets the operation mode to the operation mode (normal mode or eco mode) according to the setting of the default operation mode stored in the storage unit 12.

[0067] (Step SS43) If the set operation mode is not the virus removal mode (NO), the control unit 11 proceeds to step S44. On the other hand, if the virus removal mode is set (YES), the control unit 11 proceeds to step S45.

[0068] (Step S44) Here, the control unit 11 executes normal printing in the default operation mode (normal mode or eco mode). The fixing conditions in normal printing (normal mode or eco mode) are as shown in FIG. 7B described later.

[0069] (Step S45) Here, the control unit 11 sets the fixing conditions for the virus removal mode. Here, the method of setting the fixing conditions will be described with reference to FIGS. 7A to 8. FIG. 7A is an example of a correspondence table (correspondence table 1) showing the relationship between virus types and heat resistance, and FIG. 7B is an example of a control table showing the fixing conditions when executing a print job in each operation mode. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the state transition of each operation mode.

[0070] (Setting of Fixing Conditions) As shown in FIG. 7A, the virus has a different virus inactivation temperature depending on its type. Here The virus inactivation temperature is the fixing temperature and is determined by the following formula. Virus inactivation temperature = the inactivation temperature assumed for each virus (heating at a certain temperature x or higher) + margin (margin to ensure heating at a temperature x or higher).

[0071] Also, in FIG. 7A, the heat resistance ranks are classified into a plurality of levels according to the virus inactivation temperature. For example, viruses A and D are classified as having "strong" heat resistance determination because of their high virus inactivation temperature, while viruses B and C are classified as having "weak" heat resistance determination because of their low virus inactivation temperature. Note that the classification is not limited to two levels and may be classified into three or more levels. Note that even when notified from the body temperature measuring device 40 (step S13) or when notified from the terminal device 50 (step S24), it is assumed that there is only the information of "existence" and no information on the virus type. In such a case where the virus type is "unknown type", the virus inactivation temperature is set to the value of the virus type with the most stringent conditions, and the heat resistance determination is regarded as "strong".

[0072] In the virus removal mode, the fixing conditions are set according to the virus heat resistance determination and the paper thickness using the control table shown in FIG. 7B. This paper thickness is determined based on the paper type described in the job ticket of the printing job or the paper basis weight. For example, if it is the paper basis weight, paper of 200 g / m 2 or more is determined to be thick paper. Also, in the case where the image forming apparatus 10 is configured to include a media sensor that measures the characteristics of the paper on the conveyance path, the paper having a thickness equal to or greater than a predetermined thickness may be determined to be thick paper based on the thickness of the paper measured by this media sensor. Papers other than thick paper, including plain paper / thin paper, are classified as thin paper in the control table of FIG. 7B.

[0073] Here, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7B, there are two virus removal modes: virus removal mode 1 via the eco mode and virus removal mode 2 via the normal mode. As shown in the state transition diagram of FIG. 8, the setting between the normal mode and the eco mode is set by the user (the default operation mode setting described above). When the default operation mode is the eco mode, it transitions to virus removal mode 1 based on the "presence" information. On the other hand, when the default operation mode is the normal mode, it transitions to virus removal mode 2 based on the "presence" information.

[0074] For example, as shown in FIG. 7B, in virus removal mode 1, when the virus heat resistance determination is "strong", regardless of the paper thickness (common for thick paper / thin paper), the fixing temperature is set to a predetermined temperature of 170°C, and the conveyance speed of the paper 90 at the fixing unit 133 (hereinafter also referred to as the "fixing speed") is set to 5 mm / s. As shown in FIG. 7B, the fixing temperature in the virus removal mode (virus removal modes 1 and 2) is higher than 120°C in the eco mode. Also, since the fixing speed of 5 mm / s in the virus removal mode is slower than the fixing speed of 180 mm / s in the normal mode (and the eco mode), the heating time of the paper 90 by the fixing unit 133 becomes longer.

[0075] (Step S46) Here, the control unit 11 controls the image forming unit 13 and executes the print job according to the virus removal mode of the fixing conditions set in step S45.

[0076] As described above, the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment can select the operation mode of a print job from a normal mode and a virus removal mode, and includes a control unit that sets the operation mode of the print job to the virus removal mode based on the acquired "existence" information. In the virus removal mode, the fixing temperature of the fixing unit is set to a predetermined temperature, and the heating time of the paper by the fixing unit is made longer than that in the normal mode. Thereby, the virus attached to the paper can be appropriately removed, and the risk of virus infection can be reduced. Further, the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment sets the fixing temperature according to the type of virus acquired. Thereby, the virus can be removed more appropriately.

[0077] (Second Embodiment) Next, with reference to FIGS. 9 to 11, the image forming apparatus 10 according to the second embodiment will be described. In the first embodiment, as a method of making the heating time of the paper by the fixing unit longer than that in the normal mode in the virus removal mode, the entire surface of the paper 90 was made uniform and the fixing speed was slowed down. However, as shown in the following second embodiment, the heating time may be made longer than that in the normal mode by slowing down the fixing speed more at the leading edge / trailing edge of the paper or performing double-sided heating (heating twice). Except for the configurations shown in these figures, it is the same as the image forming apparatus 10 of the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 8, and the description thereof is omitted. FIG. 9 is an example of a control table showing the fixing conditions when executing a print job in each operation mode in the second embodiment. This control table is applied in step S45 of FIG. 6. In the control table in the second embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the heating surface and the fixing speed at the leading edge / trailing edge are different from those in the control table (FIG. 7B) in the first embodiment.

[0078] (Heating surface (double-sided heating)) Here, the heating surface in the control table shown in FIG. 9 indicates the heating surface in the case of single-sided printing setting. When the heating surface is "both sides", even if the printing setting is single-sided printing, it indicates that double-sided heating is performed. Here, double-sided heating means that after printing on one side (the first side) as usual and heating at the fixing unit 133, the second heating at the fixing unit 133 is performed via the switchback conveyance paths 152 to 151. When passing through the conveyance path 151 for the second time, no image formation is performed by the image forming unit 13 (blank paper data).

[0079] In the control table shown in FIG. 9, in the virus removal mode, in the case of thick paper, even if the printing setting is single-sided printing, double-sided heating is executed. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining the virus inactivation state in single-sided printing. As shown in FIG. 10(a), in the case of thick paper, with a single heating by single-sided printing, the virus attached to the back side of the paper 90 cannot be sufficiently heated and is likely to remain without being inactivated. Therefore, in the second embodiment, in the case of thick paper, double-sided heating is performed. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 10(b), in the case of thin paper (other than thick paper), both sides of the paper 90 can be sufficiently heated with a single heating, and the virus can be removed. When the original printing setting is double-sided printing, of course, double-sided printing (double-sided heating) is performed regardless of whether it is thin paper or thick paper.

[0080] (Deceleration or temporary stop of the fixing speed at the paper edge) Also, in the second embodiment, the fixing speed at the leading end and / or the trailing end of the sheet 90 is made slower than the fixing speed at the center of the sheet. In this embodiment, the nip formed by the upper and lower rollers 31 and 32 includes a range of several millimeters before and after the leading end of the sheet passes through the fixing nip. Also, making it slower than the center means, for example, a speed range of 80% to 0% of the fixing speed at the center (5 mm / s). In the example shown in the control table of FIG. 9, the fixing speed is set to zero (temporarily stopped) near both ends of the leading end and the trailing end of the sheet 90. The temporary stop time is 10 seconds. For example, when the leading end of the sheet 90 reaches the fixing nip of the fixing unit 133, or in the vicinity of the end portion, the driving rotation of the fixing unit 133 is stopped in a range of several millimeters before and after, and after 10 seconds have elapsed, it is driven again. The same process is also performed for the trailing end of the sheet 90.

[0081] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram for explaining the state of virus inactivation at the leading end of the sheet. As shown in FIG. 11(a), in the case of thick paper, the virus attached to the end face of the leading end of the sheet 90 cannot be sufficiently heated and is likely to remain without being inactivated. Therefore, in this embodiment, in the case of thick paper, it is temporarily stopped to sufficiently heat the end face. Note that this heating is preferably performed during the second heating without image formation (blank paper data), and in the case of double-sided heating, it is performed during the second heating when no image is formed. Also, if the timing of this temporary stop is related to during image formation in the image forming unit 13 (during the processes of exposure, primary transfer, and secondary transfer) under conditions such as double-sided printing and when the sheet length of the sheet 90 is long, the temporary stop process may be performed only on the trailing end side.

[0082] Thus, in the second embodiment, by making the fixing speed slower than the center at the leading end and / or the trailing end of the sheet, the virus attached to the end face of the sheet 90 can be removed.

[0083] (Third Embodiment) Next, referring to FIGS. 12 to 17, the image forming apparatus 10 according to the third embodiment will be described. Except for the configurations shown in these figures, it is the same as the image forming apparatus 10 of the first and second embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 to 9, and the description thereof will be omitted. In the first and second embodiments, whether or not the virus removal mode can be executed is determined based on the presence or absence of information indicating the presence or absence of a person at risk of infection within the area 80. In the third embodiment described below, whether or not the virus removal mode can be executed is determined in consideration of the influence when a person at risk of infection touches the paper feed tray 141 and the paper 90 therein.

[0084] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the elapsed time after replenishing the paper feed tray with paper and the operation mode to be set in the third embodiment. When a person at risk of infection (hereinafter referred to as Person A at risk of infection) replenishes the paper feed tray 141 with the paper 90, the virus adheres to the paper feed tray 141 and the paper 90 therein. The attached virus does not die immediately and continues to exist within a certain period. If another user (hereinafter referred to as Person B not at risk of infection) gives a print instruction for Print Job 1 within this certain period, the image forming unit 13 executes printing in the virus removal mode. On the other hand, when a certain period (hereinafter referred to as the extinction period) has elapsed after Person A at risk of infection replenishes the paper, since the virus has naturally died, if Person B not at risk of infection gives a print instruction for Print Job 2, the image forming unit 13 executes normal printing with higher productivity. The above is the outline of the control in the third embodiment. Hereinafter, how to control it actually will be described.

[0085] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the recording process of the opening / closing history data.

[0086] (Step S51) The control unit 11 determines whether paper has been replenished to the paper feed tray 141. This determination may be made based on the signal of the open / close sensor 142 indicating that the open / close operation of the paper feed tray 141 has been performed, or based on the signal of the paper sensor 143 indicating that the paper in the paper feed tray 141 has changed from a state of being empty to a state of having paper, or alternatively, may be made based on a combination of both signals. When the control unit 11 determines that paper has been replenished, the process proceeds to step S52.

[0087] (Step S52) The control unit 11 determines the operation mode based on the presence / absence information of the state data stored in the storage unit 12. This state data is set by the setting process shown in FIG. 6 described above. If the status is "present" indicating that there is a person with an infection possibility in the area 80 (YES), the process proceeds to step S53, and if the status is "absent" (NO), the process returns to step S51. Note that in this embodiment, it is not specified whether the person with an infection possibility and the user replenished in step S51 are the same person, but the image forming apparatus 10 may be provided with a function to identify the user to be used (such as user authentication processing), and thereby, this process may be executed when a person with an infection possibility replenishes the paper.

[0088] (Step S53) The control unit 11 records the open / close history in the storage unit 12. Also, at this time, the initial value (disappearance period) of the timer is set. FIG. 14 is an example of a correspondence table (correspondence table 2) showing the relationship between the virus type and the time until natural disappearance. Generally, a virus disappears after a certain period (disappearance period) has elapsed, and the disappearance period varies depending on the virus type and the environmental temperature. As shown in the correspondence table 2 in FIG. 14, the lower the environmental temperature, the longer the period from separation from the infected person until natural disappearance. Also, it varies depending on the type, and virus B has a longer period than virus A. Note that it is assumed that the state data may only contain the information of "present" and not the virus type information. As shown in FIG. 14, when the virus type is "unknown type", the value of the virus type with the most stringent conditions is used (assumed).

[0089] FIG. 15 is an example of a switching table showing the correspondence between the opening / closing history and the operation mode in each paper feed tray. The switching table is set for each paper feed tray 141 and is composed of paper information, opening / closing history, and operation mode.

[0090] The paper information is composed of paper size and basis weight or paper type. In the example of FIG. 15, it shows that thick paper of A4 size is stored in paper feed tray 1.

[0091] The opening / closing history includes the most recent replenishment date and time, information indicating whether the replenishment is a replenishment in the "existent" state (corresponding to steps S51 to S52), the type of virus, and the in-device temperature of the apparatus at the time of replenishment, and the timer initial value. The timer initial value is set according to the correspondence table 2 in FIG. 13 and the in-device temperature at that time at the time of replenishment (corresponding to step S53). For example, at the time of replenishment, if the possibility of infection is "existent", the type is virus A, and the detected temperature of temperature sensor 17 is 21°C, the control unit 11 refers to FIG. 13 and sets 20 days as the timer initial value (death period).

[0092] The operation mode is determined by the remaining timer. In the example shown in FIG. 15, for paper feed tray 1, since the elapsed time since replenishment is 0.5 days and the remaining timer is 19.5 days, the operation mode is the virus removal mode. For paper feed tray 2, since the elapsed time since replenishment is 30 days and the remaining timer is 0 days, the virus removal mode is not applied, and the operation mode is the normal mode or the eco mode according to the user's setting. For paper feed tray 3, since it was not in the "existent" state at the time of replenishment, the virus removal mode is not applied regardless of the elapsed time, and the operation mode is the normal mode or the eco mode according to the user's setting.

[0093] (Printing control process in the third embodiment) Next, referring to FIGS. 16 and 17, the printing control process will be described. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the printing control process in the third embodiment.

[0094] (Step S61) When the control unit 11 receives a print job (YES), the process proceeds to step S62.

[0095] (Step S62) The control unit 11 determines the operation mode from the opening / closing history of the paper feed tray. This determination of the operation mode is made with reference to the switching table in FIG. 15. As described above, the operation mode in this switching table is information indicating whether the paper replenishment date and time of the paper feed tray, whether the replenishment at that time is a replenishment in the "existent" state (corresponding to steps S51 to S52), the type of virus, the internal temperature of the apparatus at the time of replenishment, and the elapsed time (remaining timer).

[0096] (Steps S63 to S65) The processing here is the same as that in steps S43 to S45 in FIG. 6, and the description thereof is omitted.

[0097] (Step S66) Here, a print job is executed in the virus removal mode. When executing this print job, before the first output (product output) of the print data, a blank sheet of paper larger in size than the paper used for this output is output (step S661). For example, if the paper size described in the job ticket is A4, a paper of a larger size that includes this, such as A3 or B4 size, is output as a blank sheet. Multiple blank sheets may be output, but to suppress waste of resources, it is preferable to output only one sheet. Then, thereafter, the output of the print data of the print job is performed under the fixing conditions set in step S65 (step S662). Also, when fixing (heating) this blank sheet, the fixing conditions (especially the fixing speed (heating time)) are performed under the fixing conditions set in step S65. As another example, as the fixing conditions for the blank sheet, regarding the fixing temperature, it may be set to the maximum temperature within the usable range of the fixing unit 133. When this maximum temperature is higher than the fixing temperature set in step S64, it is preferable to perform pre-rotation or cooling by a fan (not shown) to lower the temperature to the set fixing temperature and then perform the output of the print data. Also, the output of this blank sheet is performed for each of the paper discharge trays 155 and 156. When changing to a different paper discharge tray during the print job, a blank sheet is output prior to the product output (output of the print data).

[0098] FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which a large-sized blank sheet is discharged for the care of the paper discharge tray 155. Since there is a possibility that the virus remains in the paper discharge tray 155 as well as in the paper feed tray 141, in this embodiment, in order to care for the paper discharge tray 155, a blank sheet of paper larger in size than the product output is first discharged onto the paper discharge tray 155. Thereafter, the output of the print data (product output) is discharged to the same paper discharge tray. Thereby, the user can collect the product output without directly touching the paper discharge tray 155, and the risk of infection can be further reduced. Also, by raising the blank sheet to a higher temperature such as the maximum temperature by the fixing unit 133 and then discharging it to the paper discharge tray 155, if the virus adheres to the paper discharge tray 155, this virus can be heated by the blank sheet to be killed or the period until natural extinction can be shortened.

[0099] Thus, the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment has the same configuration as the first embodiment, and further, when the possibility of infection is "present" and opening / closing is detected in each of the paper feed trays, the storage unit records the opening / closing history, and in a print job, when using the paper feed tray in which the storage unit has a record of opening / closing, the operation mode is set to the virus removal mode. Also, when the elapsed time is equal to or longer than a predetermined period, the virus removal mode is not set. As a result, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained, and it is possible to appropriately determine whether or not to execute the virus removal mode, so that it is possible to achieve both suppression of productivity decline and reduction of the risk of virus infection.

[0100] (Modification example) In the above-described first to third embodiments, it was determined whether or not to execute the virus removal mode based on the information on the "presence" of virus-infected persons in the area 80. However, as in the modification example shown below, it may be possible to accept the user's setting for forced execution of the virus removal and execute the virus removal mode accordingly. FIG. 18 is an example of a setting screen 161 for the virus removal mode displayed on the operation display unit 16 in the modification example. In the modification example, the operation display unit 16 functions as a reception unit and accepts the user's setting for forced execution of the virus removal. Note that the reception unit is not limited to this, and a hard switch may be provided in the image forming apparatus 10 and function as the reception unit.

[0101] The user can enable the setting for forced execution of the virus removal mode by button b1 on the setting screen 161. Also, when the setting is enabled, one or more virus types to be dealt with can be set by button b2 or the like. For example, when both virus A and virus B are set, the fixing conditions are applied corresponding to virus A having higher heat resistance. When all viruses are selected, the fixing conditions corresponding to the virus having the highest heat resistance are applied.

[0102] In the modified example, when the forced execution of the virus removal mode is set to be effective by the user, the control unit 11 causes the print job to be executed in the virus removal mode regardless of the content of the information acquired by the record acquisition unit. By doing so, in areas where an unspecified number of users come and go, such as convenience stores, all users are assumed to be potential infectees and the operation is performed. As a result, the risk of infection with the virus can be further reduced.

[0103] The configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 described above has described the main configuration in explaining the features of the above-described embodiment, and is not limited to the above-described configuration, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the claims. Also, it does not exclude the configuration provided in a general image forming apparatus 10. Further, the processing in the image forming apparatus 10 according to each of the above-described embodiments may include steps other than the steps shown in the above-described flowchart, or may not include some of the above-described steps. Also, the order of the steps is not limited to the above-described embodiment. Furthermore, each step may be executed as one step in combination with other steps, may be executed included in other steps, or may be divided into a plurality of steps and executed.

[0104] (Other modified examples) In the example of the second embodiment (FIG. 9), as fixing conditions, (1) control to slow down the conveyance speed at the fixing unit or temporarily stop at the end portion, rather than the center of the paper at the front end / rear end, and (2) in the case of thick paper, even if the print setting is single-sided printing, an example of performing both-sided heating control is shown, but either one of (1) and (2) may be performed.

[0105] Also, in the third embodiment, when performing the virus removal mode, a large-size blank sheet is discharged to the paper output tray, and then product output is performed under the fixing conditions for the set virus removal mode (Steps S65, S661, S662). The process of discharging only this large-size blank sheet may be performed independently. Specifically, in the example of FIG. 16, Step S65 is omitted, and in Steps S661 and S662, heat treatment is performed under the same fixing conditions (the same fixing speed (heating time)) as the normal mode or the eco mode. Also, as another example, in Step S661 regarding the blank sheet, the fixing temperature may be set to the maximum temperature. Even in this way, at least the risk of infection via the virus attached to the paper output tray can be reduced.

[0106] Also, in the third embodiment, an example was shown in which one remaining timer is run for each paper feed tray, and the operation mode is determined by this remaining timer, but it is not limited to this, and a plurality of remaining timers may be run. For example, before the remaining timer reaches zero, all the paper in the paper feed tray 141 is used up (paper out), new paper is replenished, and if the status is "present" at that time, the second and subsequent remaining timers are run in parallel. Then, if any of the remaining timers is not zero, the operation mode is set to the virus removal mode. In the above-described third embodiment (FIGS. 15, 16, etc.), when new replenishment is performed, if the status is "absent" at that time, the previous remaining timer is reset, but there is a risk that the virus adheres to the paper feed tray 141 and transfers to the replenished paper 90. By running a plurality of remaining timers, the risk of virus infection due to such transfer can be reduced.

[0107] In addition, the means and methods for performing various processes in the image forming apparatus 10 according to the above-described embodiment can be realized by either a dedicated hardware circuit or a programmed computer. The above program may be provided by a computer-readable recording medium such as a USB memory or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc)-ROM, or may be provided online via a network such as the Internet. In this case, the program recorded on the computer-readable recording medium is usually transferred and stored in a storage unit such as a hard disk. Further, the above program may be provided as a single application software, or may be incorporated into the software of the apparatus as one function of the apparatus.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0108] 10 Image forming apparatus 11 Control unit 12 Storage unit 13 Image forming unit 131 Image forming section 132 Intermediate transfer belt 133 Fixing unit 14 Paper feeding unit 141 Paper feed tray 142, 143 Sensors 15 Conveying unit 156, 157 Paper discharge tray 16 Operation display unit (reception unit) 17 Temperature sensor 19 Communication unit (acquisition unit) 40 Body temperature measuring device 50 Terminal device

Claims

1. One or more paper feed trays, An image forming unit including a fixing unit, which forms an image on a sheet fed from the paper feed tray based on a print job, An acquisition unit that acquires information indicating the "presence" or "absence" of a person who may be infected with a virus within the area where the apparatus main body is installed, A control unit that can select the operation mode of the print job from a normal mode and a virus removal mode, and sets the operation mode of the print job to the virus removal mode based on the acquired information of "presence", In the virus removal mode, the fixing temperature of the fixing unit is set to a predetermined temperature, and the heating time of the sheet at the fixing unit is made longer than that in the normal mode, an image forming apparatus.

2. When the control unit detects opening and closing in each of the paper feed trays in the "present" state, it records the opening and closing history in the storage unit, When the control unit executes the print job using the paper feed tray in which the opening and closing are recorded in the storage unit, it sets the operation mode to the virus removal mode, the image forming apparatus according to Claim 1.

3. Even when the control unit executes the print job using the paper feed tray in which the opening and closing are recorded in the storage unit, if the elapsed time from the previous opening and closing is longer than a predetermined period, it does not set to the virus removal mode, the image forming apparatus according to Claim 2.

4. The information further includes information regarding the type of virus, The control unit is in the virus removal mode, It sets to a fixing temperature according to the type of virus, the image forming apparatus according to any one of Claims 1 to 3.

5. The selectable operation modes further include an eco mode in which the fixing temperature is set lower than that in the normal mode, The predetermined temperature set in the virus removal mode is higher than the fixing temperature in the eco mode, the image forming apparatus according to any one of Claims 1 to 4.

6. The acquisition unit is communicatively connected to a body temperature measuring device provided at the entrance of the area, which measures the body temperature of a person entering the area, The acquisition unit acquires, as information indicating the "presence" of a person who may be infected, information indicating that a person with a body temperature equal to or higher than a threshold value has entered the area from the body temperature measuring device, the image forming apparatus according to any one of Claims 1 to 5.

7. The acquisition unit communicates and connects with a portable terminal device owned by a user, As information indicating the "presence" of a person who may be infected and information regarding the type of virus, The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the acquisition unit acquires, from the terminal device within the area, information indicating that the user who owns the terminal device is a person who may be infected and information regarding the type of the virus.

8. comprising a reception unit that receives a setting operation from a user, When the reception unit receives a setting for forcibly executing the virus removal mode by the user, The control unit causes the print job to be executed in the virus removal mode regardless of the content of the information acquired by the acquisition unit, according to the image forming apparatus of claim 1.

9. Furthermore, when the reception unit receives information regarding the type of virus to be dealt with, In the virus removal mode, based on a control table describing the correspondence between the type of virus and the fixing temperature, the fixing temperature corresponding to the type of virus is set, according to the image forming apparatus of claim 8.

10. In the virus removal mode, when the paper to be used is a thick paper with a thickness or basis weight equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the control unit causes the fixing unit to perform double-sided heating for fixing twice even if the print setting of the print job is single-sided printing, according to the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. In the virus removal mode, when the paper to be used is a thick paper with a thickness or basis weight equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the control unit slows down the conveyance speed at the fixing unit or temporarily stops the paper at the end portion of the leading edge and / or the trailing edge of the paper, rather than at the center of the paper, according to the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. In the virus removal mode, before the first output of the print data of the print job, the control unit heats a blank sheet of a size larger than the paper used for the output of the print data with the fixing unit and discharges it onto the discharge tray, according to the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. a plurality of paper feed trays, an image forming unit including a fixing unit that forms an image on the paper fed from the paper feed tray based on a print job, an acquisition unit that acquires information indicating the "presence" or "absence" of a person who may be infected with a virus within the area where the apparatus main body is installed. The operation mode of the printing job can be selected from at least a normal mode and a virus removal mode, and a control unit configured to set the operation mode of the printing job to the virus removal mode based on the obtained "presence" information. An image forming apparatus that, in the virus removal mode, heats a blank sheet having a size larger than that of the paper used for outputting the print data before the first output of the print data of the printing job with the fixing unit and discharges it onto a discharge tray.

14. The image forming apparatus according to claim 12 or claim 13, wherein the control unit sets the fixing temperature in the fixing unit to the maximum temperature within the use range, heats the blank sheet, and discharges it onto the discharge tray.

15. One or more paper feed trays An image forming apparatus including a fixing unit, and an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet fed from the paper feed tray based on a printing job, and a printing control method executed by the image forming apparatus capable of selecting an operation mode of the printing job from a normal mode and a virus removal mode, Step (a) of obtaining information indicating the "presence" or "absence" of a person who may be infected with a virus within the area where the apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus is installed; Step (b) of causing the printing job to be executed in the virus removal mode based on the obtained "presence" information. A printing control method in which, in the virus removal mode, the fixing temperature of the fixing unit is set to a predetermined temperature and the heating time of the paper in the fixing unit is made longer than that in the normal mode.

16. In step (a), when the opening and closing are detected in each of the paper feed trays in the "present" state, step (c) of recording an opening and closing history in a storage unit; The printing control method according to claim 15, wherein in step (b), when executing the printing job using the paper feed tray having a record of opening and closing in the storage unit, the virus removal mode is executed.

17. The printing control method according to claim 16, wherein in step (b), even when executing the printing job using the paper feed tray having a record of opening and closing in the storage unit, if the elapsed time from the previous opening and closing is equal to or longer than a predetermined period, the virus removal mode is not executed.

18. A plurality of paper feed trays An image forming apparatus including a fixing unit and an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet fed from the sheet feeding tray based on a print job, and a print control method executed by the image forming apparatus capable of selecting an operation mode of the print job from a normal mode and a virus removal mode, comprising: Step (a) of acquiring information indicating the "presence" or "absence" of a person who may be infected with a virus within the area where the apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus is installed; Step (b) of causing the print job to be executed in the virus removal mode based on the acquired "presence" information; and In the virus removal mode, before the first output of the print data of the print job, a blank sheet larger in size than the sheet used for the output of the print data is heated by the fixing unit and discharged onto the discharge tray. A print control method.

19. The print control method according to claim 18, wherein the fixing temperature in the fixing unit is set to the maximum temperature within the use range to heat the blank sheet and discharge it onto the discharge tray.

20. A control program for causing a computer that controls an image forming apparatus to execute the print control method according to any one of claims 15 to 19.

Images